Story of my life

I’ve been out of it a while but I really do miss blogging and I think this little challenge is the perfect thing to get me blogging again. I feel like I missed a whole year of our life cause it’s not documented on the internet for me to come back to and read.

The day one topic for this little blog challenge that Jennie’s got going is: The story of your life in 250 words or less (or one paragraph... no one will be counting your words... probably)

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so here’s the story of my life

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I was born in Europe and grew up in Colorado and now live in Arizona. I’m not a fan of the desert but the people here make it kind of fun. After spending a lot of time and money going to school and getting degrees, I finally realized what I’m truly passionate about. I’m a photographer of women. A photographer of strong and glamorous women. My life is dedicated to making our dreams come true. I’ve learned to wake up and find something I’m excited about rather then whine about things I can’t change and the mistakes of yesterdays. Today is the only thing that matters, yesterday is a stain and tomorrow is a ghost.

oh and I’m married to the man of my dreams, and have this little doggy that has stolen my heart…

8 Fears

 

Sometimes life takes you by surprise, and this month is taking me by surprise for sure. I can’t believe that today is the 18th of July! Holy COW where does time go?

I have another full week in AZ and then off to Denver I go. In fact two Wednesday’s from now, I’ll be either in Colorado or very close to being in Colorado. It all depends on the driving and the dog.

Keeping up with my 10 Days of me Challenge, here are 8 of my greatest fears.

1. Losing my husband or anyone else I love. None of us are immortal. BUT boy do I wish we could all be vampires and sparkle and live on forever. How cool would that be? I have a very real and at the same time irrational fear of losing someone close to me, including Lilly the dog. I sometimes will try to imagine my life without them, and will randomly start crying. It’s that bad.

2. Cancer. I’m not so much afraid of dying as I am of cancer. I fear it above all other deadly illnesses. You would think I’d be better about getting annual check ups and such with this fear of mine, however I’m even more afraid of someone telling me that there is something wrong with me or my test results are abnormal.

3. Spiders and anything else that crawls, creeps, slithers and so on. HATE them. We kept finding black widows in our back yard and front porch and I swear I was having nightmares about waking up to one dangling above my head. ARGH

4. Disappointing/Letting down people. I don’t know if this is really a fear, but I hate it. I know sometimes I end up doing it anyways, but I simply can’t stand it. I like to make people happy.

5.  Losing my wedding ring. I know I’ve talked about getting a new ring, and how when we got mine, it’s really all we could afford and so on. BUT I do love my ring for what it stands, and what it means to me. I’d never trade it in for another ring (as in I would not get rid of it, I’d just wear it on my right hand or something). BUT I have a fear of losing it. For example, I usually leave it at home if I’m going to be lifting weighs, and every time I look down at my hand I am terrified that I lost it.

6. Car accidents scare the living daylight out of me. When I see one, I always start to visual how it happened and then start thinking of what one had to do, then start putting myself in that position. And then I have to distract myself by something else otherwise I’ll probably end up in an accident myself.

7. Sick babies. I am terrified that my children will be born with disabilities or deformations. AND I know this is going to get me some hate mail, BUT if I knew that my child would have disabilities/deformations/life threatening illnesses, I would abort my pregnancy (if I still had the chance). I feel very strongly about bring a child into this world who would not have the same quality of life as a healthy baby.

JUST A NOTE this is my personal opinion, my personal choice, and my body. My husband feels the same exact way, so please don’t preach to me how wrong it is. If you don’t agree, then lets just agree to disagree.

8. Not being good enough. This goes in all aspects of my life. I’m afraid that I may not be a good enough daughter, granddaughter, wife, friend, sister, dog mom and future mom. I am afraid that I am not a good enough employee, and a co-worker. Or that I’m not a good enough student or a photographer and so on.

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There you have it. My 8 greatest fears.

What are you afraid of? How do you cope with these fears?

9 Loves!

Happy Hump Day All! It’s now officially the second Wednesday of July! This past weekend was my grandmothers 80th Birthday and as well as my mother in laws birthday (not quite 80 yet). I’m a little sad that I’m so far away from my grandmother, and this July 8th, marks 5 years since I’ve seen either one of my grandmothers. I plan on making a trip out to Armenia in September. Keep your fingers crossed that it doesn’t cost me an arm and a leg, and possibly my first born child.

To continue on with the challenge, here are 9 loves!

1. First and foremost I love my husband, more than anything in the world. He drives me insane sometimes. He also makes me so bad I probably shoot sparks out of my ears. But I love him through it all.

2. My family. This is a no brainer. I could list out every single one of them individually, but that would be cheating. I have the best family ever. Really, my parents and brother are my best friends. There is no way around it. I tell them everything and know everything. I love them to the moon and back.

3. My Lilly Bug. Of course she gets her on point. I don’t know what I’d do without her around. She keeps me sane.

4. Good food and friends. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love good food and good company.

5. SHOES! If you know me even a little bit you totally know and understand this.

6. Reading. I love love love a good book, almost more than anything else!

7. A good glass of wine and my hubby’s margaritas. You have not tried a good margarita until you’ve had one of my hubby’s creations. Let me tell ya! This man can make a mean margarita!!

8. Cooking. This one doesn’t really warrant an explanation. I love food, therefore I love cooking.

9. Photography.

 

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I love lots of other things, but these are the first nine that popped into my head.

Hope your Wednesday is filled with lots of love

A few random facts and a little challenge

I’ve seen this little challenge going around, and thought it would be perfect for a Wednesday post… for the next ten week

So to start off here are 10 “secrets” about me that you probably don’t know.

1. I love cooking. I cook when I am stressed, when I’m happy, when I miss my mom, when I want to cry, and just because I want to make something yummy. OH and I never really follow a recipe. I get an idea from a recipe and then run with whatever feels right. Usually my food comes out pretty dang good.

2. I am completely and totally in love with my dog, and I cry when I think about the fact that she’s almost two and Dobermans usually live to about 12, and that means that I only have about 10 years with her. Then I start thinking about all the illnesses out there, and already assume that she’s going to die tomorrow and it makes me an emotional wreck. I’m a baby, I know.

3. The grandfather I always refer to is not actually my biological grandfather. BUT he’s more of a grandfather then my biological one (Sorry mom). My dad’s father passed away before any of his grandkids were born, and my mom’s dad has always been very distant. Also, the fact that he is on the other side of the world, 12 timezones away, makes it hard to have a relationship. Bob on the other hand has always been there for me, and has taken the role of grandfather completely! I love him to the moon and back!

 

4. I am deathly afraid of cancer. I know most people are too, but I get anxiety over it. I know several people who have had cancer and beat it (grandpa included) BUT it still scares the crap out of me.

5. I hate cleaning, but love a clean house. I don’t really think this is a secret, and I don’t really know anyone who loves cleaning. But I can’t function if my house is a mess.

6. I’ve never changed a diaper in my life. HA! Its true. I have a ton of baby cousins, and friends with babies, and I’ve babysit for quite a few of them, but never ever ever had to change a diaper. It kind of scares me to think that one day I’ll have kids and will have to change diapers and I’ve never changed one. Good thing I’ve got a neighbor who’s supermom!

7. I love heels and dresses and cute clothing. This one isn’t really a secret, but what is is the fact that I dress up and sometimes even put on heels just to sit at home and work. I work from home so my dresscode is really none-existent. BUT I feel better when I’m dressed to impress… even if it’s just Lilly that I’m impressing. … PS these past three months I spent in my yoga pants. I think it’s time to get dressed up again .

8. Our house overwhelms me sometimes. We got this big house and it’s brand new, and has so much potential and so many things that need to be done. And while I’m excited to turn it into a home, I’m overwhelmed at what it costs, what to do and so on.

9. I miss driving my Camaro. After moving to Arizona we traded in our little cavalier (hub’s beater) and got an SUV (my mom car). This meant that my beautiful hot rod turned into the husbands work car. AND as much as I love my Lilly-mobile, I miss driving a stick shift sports car.

10. I don’t watch TV. This probably isn’t a secret for those who know me IRL, but for a lot of people it comes as a shocker. We don’t have cable and don’t miss it. There are a few shows that we’ll get on DVD or stream online once in a while, but honestly I’d rather read a book then watch TV.

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There you have it! 10 Secrets. If you have any questions or would like me to answer some other questions, please send me a note or leave a comment. I’d be more than happy to.

Have a great Hump Day!!!

Wee Bit ‘About Me

 

 

I am linking up with Leigh Ashley!

 

{one} how many times have you been a bridesmaid/maid of honor?

now that I think about it, 0 I kind of like that since we just had a “best-man of honor” at ours

{two} what’s the last thing your do before you fall asleep at night?

Talk to the hubby

{three} you just won your dream vacation, all expenses paid. where are you going?

Taking a year or two to literally travel the world. I’d start off with London, and head out from there, spend a about a month in each country exploring, experiencing, photographing and writing.

{four} what is your favorite outdoor activity?

In the summer Scuba Diving in the winter snowboarding. I also love just being outside, and enjoying the sun.

{five} as a child, what did you want to “be when you grew up”? did you end up there?

I don’t think I every really had a solid idea of what I wanted to be when I grew up. At one point I wanted to flight fighter jets, but that involved having 20/20 vision, which I don’t. As a kid I loved arts, I loved reading and writing as well as photograph. I also loved talking and helping people. Currently I do psychology research and try to help kids and families. I am also getting my feet wet in writing freelance. I’d say I’m doing what I love right now.

{six} what are 3 things your dream home would have that you don’t currently have?

Oh boy, don’t even get me started. We live in a beautiful house and have lots of things that are luxuries to others, but this is the furthest thing from our dream. The three things that our dream home must have is a large garage, a large office and extra large walk in closets. 

{seven} what’s for dinner tonight?

Left overs. haha! we have some mac and cheese leftovers and some breakfast taco left overs. I want them out of my fridge before they turn into science projects.

{eight} if someone stopped by your house unannounced on a typical Saturday night, what would they find you doing?

Lately we’ve been having family gatherings on Saturdays, so you’ll most likely find us grilling something or another, talking about something or another, cracking jokes at one another and having an overall good time.

{nine} what’s your average monthly water bill?

You know what’s sad?! I haven’t seen an utility bill in a few months. Last I looked it was about $30 or $40.

{ten} what do you do to relax?

Read, write, paint, cook or go out to try and take some photos.

WooHoo!!! Another Blog Award

 

I’m so honored to have received another Blog Award in less then a month since my last one. This one came from the beautiful Veronica Grace over at Knitful Dezigns.

Honestly, I am so excited and honored that people actually like my random blabbing about kitchen sinks, random fitness motivation and whatever else I talk about. Thank you!!!

In accordance with the award here are seven random facts about me:

1. I’m super clumsy. And by this I mean trip over my own feet standing on flat ground kind of clumsy. It’s a little embarrassing, especially when surrounded by other people or strangers.
2. I love snacking, especially if I am working or studying. I snack way too much and on unhealthy things like chips and crackers instead of fruits and veggies. I’m actively trying to fix this.
3. Sometimes all I want to do is curl into my bed, hide under the cover and sleep for a few days. Seriously, I think one of these days I just might do that. and NO I am not depressed, just sleep deprived at times.
4. Traveling is my passion and I would LOVE to travel for a job. I hope that one day the Mister and I can take month long vacations. Maybe when we have our own little shop or some form of home business.
5. I honestly enjoying staying at home and working from home. While the money isn’t great, and honestly I stress over this entirely too much, I love the fact that I am home when the Mister gets home, and that I don’t have piles of laundry covering the bedroom floor and the dishes aren’t trying to take over the kitchen. HA!
6. Even though I spent almost 2 years growing my hair out, I sometimes have the urge to just chop it all off. My hair stylist would love the drastic cut, but the husband might kill me.
7. I need a vacation. I know, I know… who doesn’t. But really, I want to be on a beach in Mexico, or somewhere else in the tropical. Unfortunately we wont have a chance to go until end of the year or early next year, which is way too long but what can ya do?!

Here are the some other lovely blogs that I’d like to pass this little award to:

    Megan from A Suitcase and Stilettos

Lindsey from The Bargain Blonde

and

Sarah from Sunlight After Rain

Wee Bit ‘about Me

 

I am linking up with Leigh Ashley!

 

{one} do you believe in ghosts?
I believe in something out there, a spirit or what not, but I can’t say I truly believe in ghosts. I have no proof one way or another so honestly I couldn’t tell you.

{two} are you more of a talker or more of a listener?
Depends on who I’m around and what the situation calls for. I can be a great listener and a very annoying talked giving all kind of “psychological” advice to people who do not need it.

{three} would you rather get up early or sleep late?
I like getting up early, because I feel that I get more accomplished but I tend to be lazy when it comes to getting out of bed. My bed is entirely too comfortable, and especially when the husband is there with me.

{four} if you could instantly become an expert at one type of dance, what type would you choose?
Tango. It has always been my favorite form of dance. Now only if I could get the husband to dance with me.

{five} what's your favorite drink?
I love water, really! I also love margaritas, rum and coke and some other alcoholic beverages. I also LOVE cranberry juice.

{six} if your house caught fire and you could only grab three things, what would they be?
Our passports and other documents which are kept in an easy to grab and go file folder. My computer and camera. I’m assuming that my husband would be able to get out on his own, otherwise I’d leave everything and grab him.

{seven} if you could only visit one restaurant for the next five years, which would it be?
That’s a long time, but I’d have to go with Mt. Fuji, some of the best sushi in town.

{eight} who inspires you the most?
My grandfather who has had an incredible life, and continues to encourage everyone around him to travel more, educate themselves and just be better people!

{nine} if you had your own talk show, who would your first three guests be?
Humm, Richard Bach, Princess Kate, and Jennifer Anniston

{ten} sneakers or sandals?
Sandals!

 

Head over and link up all!

Get to Know Me

 

1. would you rather go on a picnic or to a bbq?

This is a hard one, I enjoy both, but I’d say the Mister and I are way overdue for a picnic so a picnic it is.

2. would you rather go bra-less or panty-less?

bra-less

3. would you rather go on a $5000 shopping spree at your favorite store or go on a $5000 vacation?

A vacation for sure, I could go on two vacations for that price!

4. would you rather eat escargot or sauteed crickets?

Escargot, it’s actually not as bad as it sounds. A French delicacy and all

5. would you rather go on survivor or the amazing race?

haha neither.

6. would you rather be hot or cold?

Hummm cold, there is always more clothes you can put on, but only so much you can take off

7. would you rather go to the beach or lake?

the beach for sure!

8. would you rather not shave your legs for a month in the summer or your armpits?

Humm… legs, I can cover them up in some jeans… armpits not so much.

My First Blog Award!

 

Seems like this week is a great number of first for me! I just checked my comments and did a little jig when I saw this one:

Sarah is adorable, go make friends with her over at Sunlight After Rain

The award requires the recipient to post 7 facts about themselves. And just because I know you are dying to know more about me here they are:

[one]

I love when it rains! I really do, but only if I can stay home and curl up on the couch with my favorite book. I’d love to spend the day lounging around enjoying a good read. I also hate when I wake up and it’s gloomy out, only for the sun to shine 10 minutes later. It gives me hope that we’ll have a grey day, then goes around and breaks my heart.

[two]

I’m really ready to move from Colorado to a state with more stable weather. I love Colorado, especially Denver and the mountains, but I feel that I’ve lived here long enough, maybe I’ll come back one day, but for now I cannot wait to move somewhere different and start over. I think I’m just craving adventure.

[three]

The Mister and I have gotten into this bad habit of spending too much money on vacations and experiences. Just in the last year we spent over $20K on vacations, weekend trips, shows and so on. Not to mention how much we spent on going out and cars. HOWEVER, I don’t regret a single penny of this. We had so much fun that we cannot wait to get some extra room on the credit cards so we can do it all over again. (Please note that I don’t recommend doing this if you have depends or your job isn’t stable. Credit card debt sucks, especially at high interests. We’re just wacky) 

[four]

I love writing, I really do! I’m also good at it, at least I’m better at writing then anything else in the world. I’m a little sad that I didn’t at least minor in writing to improve my skills.

[five]

I really should be looking for full time employment, however, I’d rather do my own thing and have been trying to put a few things together. Seems like they might work out, so keep your fingers crossed for me. It would be fantastic to continue to work from home!

[six]

I am obsessed with photography, and cannot wait to add a few new lenses to my collection. I also, think that I love to travel because I get to take new pictures of things I would otherwise not be able to. ALSO, I would much rather have photographs then videos of our trips. I feel that photos tell a story much better.

[seven]

I am really trying super duper hard to get my life in control regarding spending an excess amount of money on food and such. I really need to start couponing but don’t know where to start. So if any of you have helpful tips, I’d appreciate them very much.

AND now for the fun part, here are the blogs that this award goes to:

little girl in the big world

Ramblings of A Small Town Girl

Mr. & Mrs. Smith

Sweet and Sassy

Our Forever

and of course

The Bargain Blonde

Wee bit ‘bout me

 

As I was browsing along blogs today I came across this, and the questions were too much fun not to play along. So I’m linking up again!!! today, this time with Leigh over at Leigh Ashley.

 

{one} do you watch the history channel? if so, what’s your favorite program?

We use to… but then we canceled cable. And now that we have TV again we barely ever even turn it on. It’s a sad but true fact that we’d rather be on our computers or out doing something rather then watching TV. It’s so bad that our 56 inch screen TV is actually hooked up to one of our PCs … and used as a computer by the Mister. HA!

{two} what is your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?

READING, and drinking hot tea. I would love nothing better then to cuddle up right now on the window-seat, drink some green tea and read my book. However, I’ve got to get my butt outside in the rain to get to work, then the gym. BOO

{three} what does your dream house look like?

Something along the lines of this. When the time comes to build a custom home, this is the one of the exteriors that we are contemplating. We defiantly want a castle feel to it. Ha! 

{four} what state were you born in?

I was not. I was born outside of the United States… to be exact in Moscow, Russia.

{five} do you have a change jar? if so, what do you use it for when it gets full?

Yup, we have a large salsa container that is filled up with coins. As a matter of fact it had gotten full and I took it in on Monday to get it deposited into our travel account. We always save our change then use it to buy drinks when we are traveling. So really it’s our alcohol jar!

{six} what’s the first website you look at when you get on the computer?

Gmail account.

{seven} what is your favorite breakfast?

The amazing breakfast tacos I make. I also like bagels.

{eight} what’s the most memorable trip you’ve ever taken?

Hummm this is such a hard question because we travel so much. If I had to choose, thus far my favorite trip has been our last cruise to Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Montego Bay. 

{nine} do you prefer your coffee black or with cream/milk/sugar?

Actually I prefer tea. But if I need more of a caffeine kick I tend to go with a vanilla latte. 

{ten} have you ever done a professional photo shoot?

Do our engagement pictures count?! My friend did an amazing job with them!